ASU partners with firm to help prepare accounting students for the digital marketplace

The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is joining the KPMG Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics Program, a one-of-a-kind initiative that audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG LLP developed to prepare accounting students for the digital marketplace.

The school’s inclusion is part of an expansion of the program that increases the number of participating schools from two to nine, and increases the number of students to 135 who will receive full tuition, other support, and KPMG job offers upon graduation, as well as the addition of a tax component at one of the new schools in the program.

“Corporate participation in the development of innovative, forward thinking curriculum is key at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business,” said Dean Amy Hillman. “This unique partnership blends industry insight with academics — equipping tomorrow's business leaders with the skills needed for the future of accounting.”

“KPMG’s expanded investment in the data and analytics program demonstrates the firm’s commitment to the future of the audit and tax professions,” said Frank Casal, vice chair - Audit. “We’re pleased to include prestigious institutions like Arizona State University, who share this focus and are equally passionate about their students building advanced skills in accounting, tax and data analytics that they can bring into the marketplace.” 

In August 2016, KPMG disrupted the education and recruiting experience for the audit profession by collaborating with the Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business and the Villanova School of Business to launch the KPMG Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics Program. Fifty-one students were accepted to the program and will begin their studies at those two schools in the fall of 2017. 

KPMG’s program provides each school with access to proprietary KPMG technologies and integrates easily into their academic programs. KPMG will increase the program’s scholarships to 135 students from across the U.S. Those students will work as interns on KPMG audit or tax teams and will join KPMG’s audit or tax practices through an advanced entry program upon graduation.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently awarded the KPMG Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics Program its “2017 Recruiting Excellence Award,” which recognizes excellence in recruiting best practices, including attracting talent, selection process, training and development of new hires, and retention. Those interested in learning more about the program, including how to apply, should visit http://www.kpmgmasters.com. A related video may be accessed at https://youtu.be/aN4JTWyrP-A.

 Other schools joining the program include: 

• Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business

• University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business

• University of Mississippi’s Patterson School of Accountancy

• University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business

• University of Southern California, Leventhal School of Accounting

• Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business

The University of Mississippi’s Patterson School of Accountancy will integrate the program into its Master of Accountancy and Master of Taxation degrees.

Globally, KPMG International’s Ireland member firm launched a similar program in March with the National University Ireland Galway, and its South Africa member firm is piloting a program at the University of Witwatersrand. Several other KPMG member firms are also pursuing additional similar relationships in their respective countries.